Career Options

We rely on earth's natural resources for our daily needs. As the earth's population increases, the added concern of the sustainability of these resources becomes very real. The natural resources program gives graduates a working knowledge of a broad span of natural resources, their diversity and interdependence, and the critical relationships between humans and their natural environment. Topics within the major include resource ecology, land use, water resources, environmental policy, resource technology, natural resource education. Students in this department often pursue graduate degrees in fields of environmental sciences.

Degree: B.S. in Natural Resources, Minor in Natural Resources
Options: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Option, Individual Specialty Option
Natural Resources Faculty

Potential career options in Natural Resources

Use the career planning resources to learn about the potential career options below.
(some occupations may require further education/licensure)
Aquaculturist
Arboriculturist
Bioresource Engineer
Cell Biologist
Conservation Officer
Conservationist
Consultant
Consumer Counselor
Ecologist
Editor
Educator
Environmental Lawyer

Farmer/Rancher
Field Representative
Fire Scientist
Fisheries Biologist
Food Inspector
Forester
GIS Specialist
Landscape Designer
Lobbyist
Naturalist
Park Manager
Park Ranger

 Plant Scientist
Policy Analyst
Rangeland Management Specialist
R&D Manager
Research Technician
Soil Scientist
Surveyor
Toxicologist
Waste Management Specialist
Water Quality Specialist
Wildlife Biologist
Writer
Urban/Regional Planner

Where are OSU Natural Resources alumni working?

(Data obtained from LinkedIn)
Field Technician, United States Geological Survey
Project Manager, Sustainable World Coalition
Water Resources Consultant, GSI Water Solutions, Inc.
Rangeland Ecologist, Bureau of Land Management
Safety Manager, Weyerhaeuser
Conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture
Fish & Wildlife Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service
Digital Content Strategist, BioProcess International
Environmental Health Specialist, Deschutes County Health
Consultant, Coast Range Timberland Management, INC
Owner, Graham Landscape & Design, LLC
Field Editor, Werner Publishing
Program Analyst, US Forest Service
Researcher & Report Writer, Elance

Where have OSU-Cascades students participated in experiential learning (internships/research/etc.)?

Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
US Forest Service
Discover Your Forest
Deschutes River Conservancy
Sunriver Nature Conservancy
High Desert Museum
Bureau of Land Management
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Deschutes Land Trust
OSU-Cascades
American Bear Association

Job Search

In addition to our general job, internship, and volunteer search resources, below are some industry specific resources to help you search for opportunities in Natural Resources. Don't forget the important process of researching employers and networking with professionals in companies/organizations that you are interested in.

Research Resources

Graduate School

In addition to our general Graduate/Professional School resources, utilize the following resources for researching advanced degrees in Natural Resources.

  • Students in Natural Resources may pursue graduate programs in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Conservation, Environmental Economics, Wildlife Conservation, Soil and Water Resource Management, Range Management, Environmental Science and Natural Resources

Professional Associations

Involvement in professional associations can expand your network, keep you up to date on current trends in the field, and give you access to additional job and internship opportunities. This is a sampling of professional associations that you could get involved in.

Additional Resources

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is here to help you navigate your future path.

Contact Career Development Center